Mills Aeronautical
Mills Aeronautical
Introduction
The Beechcraft Bonanza is a 6 seat, light aircraft, that has been in continuous production since 1947. Immensely popular, this aircraft can cruise at 200 mph, with a range of 840 miles, at a service ceiling of 18,500 feet. The unique “V-tail” eliminates the need for a vertical stabilizer by canting the two elevators at 45 degree angles, and using a combined control surface called a “Ruddervator”
that replaces both rudder and elevators. This results in less form drag on the aircraft. However, these control surfaces are made primarily of magnesium, which corrodes badly. The alloy best for skinning these surfaces has become rare and expensive, necessitating a replacement.
We have built complete new control surfaces from modern composite materials. It is not practical to reskin in aluminum due to weight, and concerns with aerodynamic flutter. Additionally, the ribs and interior are also magnesium, so reskinning the surface with aluminum simply covers up the problem.
Modern graphite fibers create a very lightweight and extremely stiff surface that is long lived and low maintenance. No changes have been made to the airfoil or general arrangement. This is purely a material change.